We will provide a range of quality materials and personalised support for people’s different needs, so they can enjoy the pleasure of reading as well as the better life chances that literacy and numeracy unlock for people. We will deliver a new Children and Young People’s Literacy and Numeracy offer, working closely with other services for children and young people of all ages in all settings to encourage children and their families to use the library service

Supporting the economy.

We will provide training and guidance for people of all abilities seeking to learn and to work, so they are able to build skills and confidence in a supportive environment.

Better health and wellbeing.

We will promote reading as a source of wellbeing, provide reliable information and services to promote good health, and support people to manage their own health and the health of those they care for.

Increasing digital inclusion.

We will provide free access to computers and Wi-Fi, and paid access to printers and scanners, training for people to use technology and the Internet, so they are able to independently access vital information and services and participate in the benefits of the digital world.

We will deliver each strategic outcome through a range of services, provided according to evidence of need across the whole county and within specific communities, including:

We will continue to provide a free delivery service to customers who cannot easily visit a library due to disability, frailty or caring responsibilities

Increased outreach work in our most disadvantaged communities

We will promote and deliver our offer more closely with other services in different settings including in Children’s Centres, schools and community venues

A new Children and Young People’s Literacy and Numeracy offer

We will work closely with other services for children and young people of all ages in all settings to encourage children and their families to use the library service.

Teachers Library Membership

From August 2018 we will introduce a free library membership specifically for teachers

New Community Library Membership

From May 2018 we will introduce a community library membership to enable rural communities to receive a core stock of books, to lend within their own community and to borrow additional items on a long loan basis. A nominated volunteer, acting on behalf of the community organisation, would be required to reserve, collect and return items to a selected East Sussex library.